People Magazine’s sexiest man alive, Bradley Cooper, with his dazzling blue eyes and movie-star good looks, is an obvious fit for a big budget super hero movie and indeed his name has been thrown about before as a possible candidate for DC’s Green Lantern and even recently Lex Luthor. And sure enough, the recent Academy Award nominee will be suiting up for a super hero role… just not the one anyone was expecting!

Unfortunately, Cooper’s good looks won’t be on display in the film, as his character will be entirely computer animated, marking the first time he’s ever voiced an animated character.

In the comics, Rocket Raccoon hails from a planet where animals were given enhanced intelligence in order to care for mentally disabled humans. He initially encounters The Hulk before later proving to be a fan-favorite as part of the Guardians of the Galaxy, where he displayed great tactical insight, bravery and loyalty. Or perhaps people just get a kick out of the idea of a raccoon flying around, shooting a laser gun. Oh did I mention his wife is a sentient otter? It’s true.

Indeed, this film, filled with so many unknown characters, is sure to be a harder sell than ‘Avengers’ but they’re packing it with well-known stars, so hopefully that will help. Since it’s still a ways off, little is known about what tone the film will take, but with a talking, gun-toting raccoon starring alongside a walking, talking tree, I would imagine there will be a lighter, more comedic style than we’re used to. But we shall see!

The movie is currently filming in London and is scheduled for release August 1st, 2014. It is directed by James Gunn and also stars Lee Pace, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Benicio del Toro, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Gregg Henry as well as possibly Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot.